Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ The true son of Singapore, Captain (Ret) Shamsudin Shadan, the first regimental sergeant major (RSM) of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), passed away at the age of 90. In addition to being “king of the parade square” and RSM of the first Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, he also organized the nation’s inaugural National Day Parade (NDP) in 1966.
Paying his homage to the king of the parade square, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong lauded his former SAF Training Institute (Safti) RSM for his discipline and SAF patriotism. He said, “He was one of our SAF pioneers who undertook the challenging task of building up our defense forces when we achieved independence”. According to PM Lee’s Facebook statement, “Cpt (Ret) Shamsudin left a lasting impression on me and the tens of thousands of SAF personnel who underwent Safti training”. He added, “Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of CPT (Ret) Shamsudin bin Shadan, my old SAFTI RSM, early this morning”.
During his address in July 2015 at a banquet celebrating 50 years of the SAF, PM Lee mentioned how the former army regular with a 29-year military career had organized the marching troop for the nation’s first NDP in just 50 days. He stated, “He repeatedly drilled the troops again and again, so that on August 9, 1966, as they marched through City Hall, they marched past smartly, and we cheered them with pride.”
According to PM Lee, Cpt (Ret) Shamsudin was an official who fostered a strong fighting spirit and commitment to protect Singapore in his charges. In addition, after he retired from the force, he continued to serve the community as the former chairman of Qaryah Kampong Holland, an organization that coordinates community and family-related events. PM Lee also stated that Cpt (Ret) Shamsudin lived a long, fruitful, and complete life, and he will be remembered for his accomplishments and the principles he stood for.
According to Education Minister Chan Chun Sing’s Facebook post, the former captain’s reputation as a disciplinarian among the first troops of servicemen was legendary. Mr Chan, a former army chief, paid his tribute, saying, “I know Cpt Shamsudin well as he was also an active grassroots leader in Buona Vista. He was passionate and committed about serving our residents. He held high standards and expected that of himself too. Farewell to a trusted comrade and true son of Singapore.”
